This week, in one of my Zoom classes, I mentioned how to perform a squat assessment. In this week's newsletter, I'll dive deeper into that topic.
Why is a squat assessment important?
When properly performing an overhead squat assessment (where your arms are reaching overhead), a lot is revealed about the body: which muscles are overactive vs. underactive. For instance, we may find that ankle mobility is limited. This is significant because limited flexibility for the ankle can lead to ankle sprains, tight calves, and even a torn achilles tendon. Nobody wants that! The squat assessment allows us to identify and address such problem areas and prevent injuries.
How to perform a squat assessment.
1. Stand with feet hip width apart.
2. Raise arms straight overhead.
3. Squat 5-10 times in a natural fashion.
4. Notice your body's compensations (described in the following link)
This article, published by NASM, one of the leading organizations of education for personal training, provides a perfect description of what to look for in your squat assessment: NASM Squat Assessment Article.
And here is a two minute video by NASM demonstrating how to perform a squat assessment: NASM Squat Assessment Video .
To get to know your body better, I suggest performing your own squat assessment.
In addition, I'd like to help! I will provide you a free assessment of your squat and a plan to address your overactive and underactive muscles! All you have to do is send me a short video of yourself performing 5 squats from a front view, and 5 from a side view, and I will email you back with what I see and some exercises that will help reverse your body's compensations! Feel free to include your own thoughts on your assessment in your email, since you know your body best and may notice/feel things that I do not.
NASM also provides videos on YouTube that address each potential problem area. For example, my compensation problem is that my arms fall forward when performing an overhead squat. This video Overactive and Underactive Muscles- Arms addresses that issue and how to reverse it. Feel free to explore their library of helpful videos on your own and I'd love to hear what you identify!
Don't forget to email me! I'm here to do what I can to help YOU feel better in YOUR body.
Happy weekend y'all and happy squatting. :)
-Katie
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Katie Martin
Bodology Fitness bodologyfitness.com Specializing in the science of YOUR body.
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